The discerning guide to cruising part 2: Packing for your cruise

For some people packing for a vacation is a task to get over with as soon as humanly possible. For some others of us it’s a real pleasure to think about the very best of our wardrobes and essential ‘stuff’ that we’ll live with for a week – or two, or three.

We’re just about to bring those well- traveled suitcases up from storage for another outing this coming weekend. We’re getting readying to pack for our Caribbean vacation; and not a moment too soon since we’ve been dropped in a frigid deep-freeze up here in our neck of the woods. We’ll begin with almost a week in Barbados and end with a week in St. Maarten, with a week-long Seabourn yacht cruise to Caribbean yacht harbors sandwiched in between. After eleven cruise vacations, experience tells us that packing for a luxury cruise has a few peculiarities. Here are some truths about cruising that we will use this weekend as we pack those suitcases.

1. Cruise ships do not have irons and ironing boards in staterooms. Ever. And you cannot bring one. They are a fire hazard, and unless you want to schlep to the communal laundry cum ironing board cubby that may (or may not, it needs to be said) be available on your particular cruise ship, then possibly wait in line for the privilege of ironing, this fact will guide your clothing choices. We have two words of advice for you: No linen.

2. Cruise ships have dress codes. How many times does this need to be said? There are different cruises for different people. If you don’t like to get dressed up, don’t select a cruise line that indicates it is an important part of the cruise. If you want to truly enjoy your cruise, take advantage of the chance to notch up your wardrobe choices. There are several brands of clothing for women that can provide fantastic choices for formal, cocktail or elegant casual dressing in pieces that are virtually wrinkle-free even after a day or more in your suitcase. Our favorites are Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, Linda Lundstrom Essentials and Simpli.

For men, it’s even easier: just rent a tuxedo. Most mainstream cruise lines provide this service that you take advantage of before you cruise – and when you arrive on board, there is your tux and all its accoutrements, including shoes if you remember to order them, hanging in your on-board closet. Just be sure to measure accurately.

A family portrait aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 last summer. It’s the only way for the three of us to get a professional portrait since we live on a different continent than our son. A great opportunity when we’re all dressed up.

Despite the fact that Art does, indeed, own a tuxedo and all the trappings, he has rented on more than one occasion and enjoyed not having to pack formal clothing. Two things we have learned: first, although some of the formal rental companies attached to the cruise lines do have women’s clothing, you will not want to be caught dead in their selections. You can do so much better by taking a packable gown; and second, the higher end the cruise line, the less likely it is that they have this rental service. Ultra-luxury lines do make the reasonable assumption that their passengers who choose to dress formally will own a tuxedo.

3. Cruise ships will ask you to put our luggage outside your stateroom about 11 or midnight the evening enforce you disembark. This is a double-edged sword. You don’t have to fuss with packing on your last morning, but you need to be prepared. You’ll need a piece of carry-on luggage that holds everything you might need in the morning. And do not forget any vital piece of clothing you might regret not having in the morning– Like your pants! Just a tip if we may: do not pack your ship-board key card. You will need it in your hand to disembark on the last morning.

5. Cruise ship bathrooms are very dark and usually have a threshold that you will need to walk over in the dark. This means that you should pack a night light to leave on in the bathroom if you want to avoid the possibility of injury if you have to get up in the middle of the night. We always have one of those poppable, battery-operated night lights that you can simply put on the counter or the back of the toilet for just enough light to keep you out of trouble. It never leaves our luggage so we always have it with us (but remember to pop out at least one of the batteries when you pack it or it will inevitably turn itself on in transit and your batteries will be dead).

6. Cruise ships sell over-the-counter medications, but they may be expensive and may not be a brand you recognize. We always take along a stash of common medications. Of course, since Art is a doctor, we often have even more than the normal supply and have been known on many occasions to share our stash with fellow passengers in need. Here is Art’s guide to your basic requirements:

Analgesic (acetaminophen or ibuprofen )

Anti-histamine/decongestant

Anti-diarrheal (loperamide)

An anti-nauseant (meclazine is preferred for motion sickness, but it is not available in Canada; dimenhydrinate works)

Band-Aids (you’d be surprised how often these come in handy)

Sun screen (need we say more?)

7. Cruise ships are usually highly air-conditioned. Even in the Caribbean (or especially in the Caribbean). Although men usually have this covered in the evening, women often find strapless and sleeveless garments to be cold. You’ll be happier if you take along a nice shrug that goes with everything.

Well, I guess that about does it. Now we need to put these guidelines into practice. Bon voyage!

We’re so, so v-e-r-y envious! But seriously, Linda and I wish you both a truly memorable holiday in the sun. Look forward to hearing all about in on your return (if we haven’t frozen to death).
Bon Voyage.
Dennis